In 2006, General Motors capitalized on the enthusiastic sales of the Hummer H2 with the downsized H3. And many loyalists and critics applauded the styling of the H3, but grumbled about the only available engine, an inline five-cylinder. These gripes will finally be addressed in 2008, when a V8 will be made available.
Though hardly short of SUVs in its model range, Toyota waxed sentimental for its beloved FJ40 Land Cruiser that ran from 1960 to 1984. They presented a one-off design study at the Chicago Auto Show in 2003 with no intention of production. To their surprise, the public also waxed sentimental for the vehicle. In an amazing turnaround of less than four years, the FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2007. One look clearly reveals inspiration from the FJ40’s exterior without the sparsely appointed interior of the old model.
So, in this purity test, we’ll find out whether the H3 or the FJ scores a win. We’ll evaluate each in various categories and rate them relative to other SUVs. In all, 100 points are possible. Because both tout go-anywhere abilities and neither are twisty-road phenoms, we’re evaluating on- and off-road performance into a cumulative score for each rig.
Hummer H3
MSRP: $29,405Engine: 3.7-liter, inline five-cylinder
Horsepower: 242 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 242 lb-fts @ 4,600 rpm
MPG: City: 15; Highway: 20
Performance - 8/20
Let’s pretend for a moment this comparison involved only off-road driving performance. In that scenario, the H3 would score much higher. Where the road gets rough -- or ceases to exist -- this SUV is really in its element. Built on a beefier Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon chassis, the H3 neither adds to the Hummer legend nor does it shame the family. It’s wholly competent without breaking new ground for 4x4s. Back on pavement, the feeling of invincibility comes to a halt. In fact, it never really gets going. Even if you skip the optional four-speed automatic in favor of the standard five-speed manual, 0-60 mph acceleration comes in a Mrs. Buttersworth-like 8.8 seconds. The overworked 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder produces 242 horsepower and equal lb-ft of torque, but it consistently feels inadequate in this vehicle.
Exterior design - 10/20
Polarization toward the H3 design is inevitable. Whether you love or loathe the H2, you’ll probably feel the same about the H3. Depending on the beholder, it’s less obnoxious, but it also looks like a cheap imitation of its big brother. We suspect brand-conscious Hummer buyers grudgingly accept this as part of H3 ownership. The side-hinged tailgate is a mixed blessing; it’s nice not to risk an uppercut to the jaw as with bottom-hinged gates, but if you park at an angle, it can be difficult to swing shut.
Interior design - 4/10
GM didn’t just save money under the hood in presenting the H3, as the cabin makes an H2 awash in acres of low-grade plastic, look well-equipped. The thick, vision-blocking A-pillar design is a structural inspiration that should have been overlooked and the upright, too-short windshield will have you ducking at stoplights as you wait for the green. You could ask for help from your rear-seat passengers, though they might not be able to hear you with their knees in their ears. In the rear, the barn-door tailgate opens to reveal rubberized flooring in the cargo area -- nice touch.
Sound system/goodies - 6/10
No urban assault in a Hummer is executed quietly, even if the raucousness is limited to the wheezing five-cylinder engine and blaring sound system. If distorted decibels aren’t really your thing, better upgrade from the standard nondescript stereo/CD system to the Monsoon single-disc, seven-speaker package (a six-disc in-dash changer and XM Satellite radio are additional options). The options list doesn’t extend too far from here, since the H3 is well-equipped from the get go.
Bang for buck - 11/20
Forget the name, tall wheels and chrome grille and you have a merely average mid-sized SUV. Take the moniker into account along with the premium it commands over its mechanical twins and the rationale to own an H3 drifts away from reasons of practicality. And that’s fine, as long as you aren’t in denial about this.
Driving experience - 12/20
The H3 is the Rodney Dangerfield of SUVs. H2 owners look down at you (figuratively and literally) and will assume that you couldn’t afford the big dog. Meanwhile, other SUV owners and Prius pilots dismiss you as a wannabe. All the while, you’re driving a $30,000 vehicle that rides rough and handles poorly unless you’re crossing moonscape terrain, which is exactly where the majority of owners never venture.
Final score - 51/100
The "screw you" attitude of Hummer ownership will only carry so far when you’re piloting the H3. You don’t pack the cred of the H2, and a plebeian Chevy Aveo can make you think twice about racing from a stoplight. Though capable in sloppy conditions, most H3s will never get to show off their best moves, which begin when the pavement ends.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
MSRP: $22,110Engine: 4.0-liter V6
Horsepower: 239 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
MPG: City: 17; Highway: 21
Performance - 16/20
A quick glance at the horsepower of our two vehicles shows that the H3 is theoretically superior, with 242 versus 239. With this power deficit, you might suspect that the FJ Cruiser is even lazier out of the gate. But the FJ is about 400 pounds lighter (4,700 versus 4,295), features variable valve-timing and thumps out more torque (278 lb-ft versus 242 lb-ft) for a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds. That hardly poses a threat of whiplash, but the extra oomph means it’s competent enough to keep up when merging onto freeways. Speaking of which, the FJ’s on-road handling inspires a little more confidence with slightly better handling and feedback. Transmission choices are a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, partially depending on whether a two- or four-wheel drive model is specified. Like the H3, it takes the absence of blacktop to reveal the FJ’s best behavior. The 4Runner roots come through loud and clear, reminding us that Toyota knows a thing or two about this sort of thing.
Exterior design - 16/20
The standard defense for most controversial car designs is that photos don’t do it justice. At first, FJs looked better and smaller in pictures. My initial in-person impressions were a bit of a letdown, especially considering how much I love the original model. I understand if some will never warm to this neo-retro look, but little by little it’s grown on me. The retro cues stop shy of being cutesy and, if one thing is certain, it’ll never be mistaken as just another boxy SUV.
Interior design - 7/10
Spending a good chunk of time behind the wheel of this Toyota is far from being the worst thing you could do. For an SUV designed to be hosed out if necessary, materials don’t seem cheap at all. Ergonomics from the driver’s seat are fine, as are the gauge and control layouts. Like the H3, A-pillars are too thick and the back seat is an intimate affair. Passengers in the Toyota also have their outward vision obscured by thick C-pillars and the front doors must be opened before the rear half-doors can function.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Toyota knows its consumers, so they equip the FJ with a standard six-speaker sound system that’s MP3 capable with an input jack. Performance is acceptable for a standard setup, if not outstanding. Naturally, audio upgrade options exist, including a six-disc changer and additional speakers (even a subwoofer if you so desire). There aren’t many boxes to tick beyond that, unless you choose one of the option packages or specify side-curtain airbags.
Bang for buck - 17/20
More than just a subjectively pretty face, the FJ represents a solid value -- especially when considering the price bump from 4x2 to 4x4 is less than some SUVs. This is a hallmark of Toyota, and the company wasn’t about to make an exception here. If you never go off-road with the FJ, you’ll be missing out. Its underwhelming road manners are nothing compared to its four-wheeling potential.
Driving experience - 16/20
The FJ may carry some hints of the original’s style, but it drives much better in all conditions than its inspiration. Actually, it drives more like the 4Runner it’s based on. Whether you want it or not, this design draws attention from all ages and reactions are mostly positive, though a few folks just offer puzzled stares.
Final score - 79/100
You can’t fully appreciate the FJ Cruiser if you’ve never owned an SUV. It combines the design heritage of a celebrated predecessor with acceptable road manners and formidable off-road ability, putting it above most other SUVs at any price.
and the winner is…
Just as Toyota surpassed General Motors as the world’s biggest automaker, the FJ Cruiser wins the purity test here. Its character and behavior more closely resemble its forbearer’s, even improving upon them. We’ve grown accustomed to its face, which is especially noticeable on the street, and the beauty continues under its skin. The FJ also feels like it’s engineered better and more solidly built, plus it draws more positive response than the H3, even though the gas mileage is similar. Presumably, it’s a matter of perception: The H3’s attitude is more about “me first,” while the FJ says “let’s play.”Resources:
http://autos.aol.com - Hummer H3
http://autos.aol.com - Compare H3 to FJ
http://autos.aol.com - FJ Cruiser
www.hummer.com
www.caranddriver.com - Hummer H3
www.caranddriver.com - Comparison
www.caranddriver.com - FJ Cruiser
www.toyota.com
www.nytimes.com
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